Overview
- Stephen Hubbard, who was detained by Russian forces in 2022, was announced as released on Wednesday and is traveling back to the United States.
- President Donald Trump said he pressed Vladimir Putin for Hubbard’s return and asserted on Truth Social that the release occurred without any quid pro quo.
- Hubbard was tried in Moscow in October 2024, convicted on Russian charges of ‘mercenarism’ and sentenced to nearly seven years, and a former co‑prisoner has reported that he faced food deprivation and electric shocks in custody.
- Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin publicly announced the release during the visit by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who reportedly thanked Putin, but officials from both countries have not disclosed the mechanics or terms of the transfer.
- The case comes after recent U.S. policy moves toward Russia, including a diesel deal and a pause on planned sanctions, and the lack of transparent details is likely to prompt diplomatic and political scrutiny while Hubbard returns to his family.